U.S.-Russia Diplomatic Rift Narrows as Presidents Talk Cooperation on Syria
President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear ready to cooperate militarily as the bitter rift over Ukraine gives way to a common interest in combating Islamic State.

Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin talk prior to a session of the G-20 summit in Turkey on Monday. (Kayhan Ozer / AP)
President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear ready to cooperate militarily as the bitter rift over Ukraine gives way to a common interest in combating Islamic State.
The Associated Press reports:
After weeks of accusing Moscow of trying to prop up Syrian President Bashar Assad by bombing U.S.-backed rebels, Obama changed his tune on Wednesday, praising Putin as a “constructive partner” in a nascent diplomatic effort to resolve Syria’s civil war. Putin, too, has issued conciliatory signals, softening his tone about the U.S. and calling for the U.S. and Russia to “stand together” against the extremist threat.
Speaking on the sidelines of a summit in the Philippines, Obama even raised the prospect of military coordination with Russia — a possibility that has seemed remote ever since the U.S. cut off military ties last year over Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
“If we get a better understanding with Russia about the process for bringing an end to the Syrian civil war,” he said, “that obviously opens up more opportunities for coordination with respect to ISIL.” He was using an alternative acronym for the extremist group. …
Yet, while the Kremlin is clearly hopeful that cooperation against IS will push Ukraine to the sidelines, both the U.S. and Russia have rejected any link between Syria and Ukraine. A White House official said no matter what happens in Syria, the U.S. won’t lift crippling economic sanctions against Russia until it fulfills its obligations under a Ukraine peace deal reached in February.
Read more here.
— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.